Living along the non-tidal Thames
Living along the non-tidal Thames offers a unique blend of natural beauty and connectivity that is hard to match. From the serene flow of the river to the well-maintained towpaths perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides, the Thames has long been a coveted location for those seeking an idyllic lifestyle.
Local search consultant Sam Williams has lived and worked in the area for three decades and has had the privilege of exploring its most charming areas.
In this article, she shares some of the best places along the non-tidal Thames that offer exceptional living opportunities, each with its distinct appeal.
What does non-tidal River Thames mean?
The non-tidal Thames refers to the section of the River Thames located upstream of Teddington Lock.
In this area, water levels are not influenced by the twice-daily high and low tides but are instead controlled by a system of locks and weirs.
Although this doesn’t mean that river levels remain constant—heavy rainfall can cause water from surrounding land to flow into the river—the fluctuations are managed.
For boat users, the non-tidal Thames falls under the jurisdiction of the Environment Agency. If you are navigating the non-tidal Thames, you would need to register your boat and obtain a license to use this section of the river.
What are the differences between living on the tidal and non-tidal Thames?
The key difference on the non-tidal Thames is that as you head away from London, the landscape becomes less built up. The riverbanks feature picturesque towns, and overall, the pace of life slows down.
Unlike the busy tidal Thames, where you will find larger commercial vessels, the boats on this stretch are typically smaller.
Additionally, the maximum speed limit on the non-tidal Thames is 8 knots (about 5 miles per hour).
Throughout this section of the river, you can enjoy scenic walks along the towpaths, with plenty of opportunities to stop and relax at riverside pubs or cafés.
Best places to live along the non-tidal Thames
Teddington
Teddington is a beautiful part of South-West London and provides the opportunity to find the perfect work-life balance. The high street is vibrant and there is a choice of pubs and restaurants to suit everyone.
Teddington is steeped in history with access to Bushy Park which was used by King Henry VIII as his hunting grounds when staying at Hampton Court.
In later times Barnes Wallis used the facilities at the National Physical Laboratory to test the theory behind the bouncing bomb.
The area is popular with young families looking to move slightly further out of London but wanting to retain the convenience of a quick commute.
Old Shepperton
Slightly further along the river you find Shepperton with its busy high street and choice of pubs and restaurants.
If you continue through Shepperton towards Chertsey you will come across Old Shepperton which is full of character properties and gives access to the river at Shepperton lock.
While some of this area has been prone to flooding in extreme weather many of the houses have now been redeveloped to sit on stilts which avoids flooding and risk of damage.
Close to the lock and weir you will see Pharoah’s Island which was originally gifted to Admiral Nelson for use as a fishing retreat but is now a popular residential area accessible only by boat.
Bray
A gastronomic highlight on the river, Bray is renowned for its Michelin-starred eateries.
With the Roux Brothers, Heston Blumenthal and Giancarlo Caldesi all choosing this beautiful village as the location for their restaurants and pubs you are spoilt for choice.
Bray is a highly desirable location with house prices well above the national average, and add the location of the Fisheries roads, any address in Bray offers an air of exclusivity.
Bray is excellent for commuters with Maidenhead station within walking distance.
Windsor
With its Royal connection, Windsor is one of the most historic locations along the Thames. Windsor Castle is the longest, continuously occupied Royal residence in the world, having first been used by Henry I.
The town is a popular tourist destination but has a wide range of shops, restaurants and a superb range of residential properties. There are two train stations offering commuters the choice of Paddington, Liverpool Street or Waterloo as London destinations.
The busy centre of town is surrounded by quieter residential roads offering terraced cottages that are suitable for young families and commuters.
As you head further out of town the plots get larger and provide generous family homes. For families looking for schools in Windsor, the choice is outstanding including, the world-famous Eton College.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there is plenty of green space in the surrounding areas with easy access to Great Windsor Park.
Twyford
Sitting between Reading and Maidenhead on the Elizabeth Line, Twyford was listed as the number one place to live in Garrington’s “Best Places to Live 2024”.
The combination of schooling, transport links, low crime statistics and amenities in the village helped Twyford top the guide.
Twyford sits on the River Loddon, a tributary of the Thames, but has so much to offer families looking to move out of London but still commute in.
Henley on Thames
One of the most popular areas along this stretch of the river is Henley.
During the Summer it is host to the world-famous Henley Regatta followed by the Henley Festival and Rewind festival but year-round this is a prime destination for visitors and always a popular address for those looking to move to the Oxfordshire/Berkshire borders.
There is a vibrant high street offering a mix of high street names and smaller boutiques and a good selection of restaurants and cafes.
If you do not want to be based in the centre of town it is surrounded by popular villages such as Peppard, Fawley and Harpsden where commuters have the choice of using Henley station or nearby Reading, which provides faster services.
Pangbourne
A charming village known for the selection of excellent schools, this has always been a desired location for families to buy property in.
Once the home of Kenneth Grahame, the author of Wind in the Willows, it is thought that E.H.Sheppard’s illustrations for the book were inspired by the riverside in Pangbourne and Whitchurch.
Trains from Pangbourne offer a good commute to London, Reading, Didcot and on to other locations in Oxfordshire. The pretty toll bridge at Whitchurch forms the border between Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
This has always been a popular location and offers a variety of housing stock from “chocolate box” cottages to large country houses in generous plots.
Goring and Streatley
With direct trains to London Paddington taking just under an hour, this is ideal for those wanting to head further along the Thames.
The two villages meet at the bridge across the Thames and provide a lovely riverside location with rural surroundings.
Many of the properties in Streatley are set into the hill so some gardens can be quite steep but offer stunning views.
Buying a home by the river
This is just a sample of some of the best non-tidal places to live along the Thames.
If you would like more information about where to buy in the area, our expert team can help. Get in touch today.
